This WATCHMEN film is getting Reelz!!!

Hey folks, Harry here... In the not too distant future - I'll be shooting a pilot here in Austin for REELZ CHANNEL - and we're all getting quite excited about it. It's a channel that's going to be sweeping across the U.S. hitting Los Angeles and New York, very soon - and then hopefully everywhere else soon after. Those of you on DIRECT TV know of what I speak. BUT today, it is their Online presence I'm talking about and their interview with Zach Snyder - that's exclusively about WATCHMEN. Looks like we're getting Gerard Butler in an as yet, unidentified part. It will be R-rated and it will be a long film. Wanna know more? Click below and see the man speak for yourself. Here ya go...

After all, we’re talking about “Watchman.” I subscribed to idea of it being an HBO miniseries but after seeing “300”, I truly feel the project is in good and competent hands. Bring it on Mr. Snyder – bring it on.

I can't think of anyone in the main cast who I would immediately identify him with (not that that necessarily matters, but...), and I'm pretty sure that Snyder said something before about certain scenes from that "Black Freighter" comic being in there. So... Gerard Butler: Black Freighter Dude. Credit for this idea goes out to Leckomaniac. Keepin' it realz (Reelz?), representin', etc.

the more I hear about this project the more I want to red Watchman, I'll be honest in that I've yet to read that graphic novel, just never had the burning urge to get it, but the more I hear about the possible movie and the synopis I read on wikipedia makes me want to go out and get it as soon as i can

are you saying that I can't even comment about a film that sounds interesting without reading the novel, isn't that I don't know, kind of narrowminded. I could nderstand if someone was talking about how bade it would suck, etc, but that's not what my post is about. The only reason I address this is that I'm the only one that has posted that has mentioned not reading the graphic novel...

comedian, i can imagine him in that scene with the whiskey bottle ramblin to Moloch, forget the black freighter that'll be a slight part if existing at all on the theatrical cut, he'll cut a good comedian. Rorschach is the role that this'll spin on, not to mention his voice, somebody's gonna need a lotta honey on the vocalchords after each take a that characters scenes. Cannot wait. Wish folk would stop goin on about 'it should be a 12 part series with each part introduced by one of the 12 apostles and Jesus is the only director who could do this book justice.' Yeah im one a the folk who read the comics when he was 13, im very grateful this movies in capable respectful hands.

That's who he sort of looks like ... Butler as the Comedian. Somebody mentioned Jeff Goldblum. I can see him as Nite Owl. I sort of see someone like Kevin Bacon as Rorshach. William Macy would be good, too.

I'm a huge skeptic of this project and that interview filled me with so much confidence. As for Butler, he could be almost anyone. I could picture him easily being Comedian, Rorshach, Ozymandias, Dr. Manhattan... not Nite Owl, but almost anyone else. Too bad George Burns is dead, he'd have made a great Moloch.

every single part, no matter how well or poorly they fit into the script and the director's vision. No auditions and no screen tessts, PLEASE. Also, if anyone is bald, they must be played by Patrick Stewart, because he is bald. If there are multiple bald characters, Patrick Stewart will play all of them (like when he performed Dicken's Christmas Carol). Also, make sure the script is "cool". You know, simply hire someone who once wrote a scritp that turned into a cool movie, and tell him "now you go write a script and make sure it is cool." Then, and only then will the movie be perfect.

For the Night Owl, if I recall correctly. And it's still not a bad choice. But THIS IS NOT 300. The talk from Snyder about making Night Owl "scarier" is somewhat concerning... He is based on Blue Beetle, not Batman for chrissakes. He's a banker's son. My pick? For this director? Matt Dillon. Maybe even Kevin Bacon. Hell, come to think of it, this is one comic role that Nicholas Cage is actually kinda right for.

i don't think he's gonna make him look terrifying, i think he's just trying for a look that wouldn't be laughable in live action (and take a look at the comic again, you know the costume as is would be). personally i don't think there is any way they can possibly make a watchmen movie that fully satisfies us fans, but look at it this way: v for vendetta was a halfway decent adaptation of the comic that got a lot of people reading the source material who never would have touched a comic before. ditto for sin city and i expect 300 will do the same. so if watchmen turns out less than perfect, but exposes new audiences to how complex and adult comics can be, i'll be pleased.

actually i think that America does want to see washed up superheros lok at how we follow the downfall of the rich and faous in "real life" I think that is what will appel to getting pople into this "reel life" of Watchman

I am wrong in my thinking. Snyder has yet to do a film revolving around characters. He made Zombies run and a zombie baby in a remake that missed the character development of the original and then made a very visual film which again lacked character. I haven't read 300 so not sure how strong the characters were in the novel. Watchmen is all about the characters. It's one of those films where in my mind visuals can take a backseat as long as the characters are right and I hope Snyder can get the character side right.

Shouldn't be Philip Seymour Hoffman. He's a superhero gone to pot, not some dude who's been fat his whole life. <p>And yeah a lot of these names being tossed around are too young. I do like Jude Law for Ozymandias though.

Robert E. Yeah, I'm sorry. I'm kinda an idiot. I think a lot of the reason Frank Miller's material worked so well was because he was deeply involved on the projects. Mr. Moore will most likely be as far removed as possible. Anyway, I like the Val Kilmer call. Downey Jr. as anyone...if he wasn't Iron Man.
Goldberg as Hooded Justice! The young versions of the characters will be interesting to see how they pull off. Will they cast younger and age'em with make-up? Hurm...
Again E.Robert, no dis-respect. I'm not here to ruin anyones fun.

Snyder is a great choice to helm this, but he could still screw it up. David Hayter wrote an early draft of the script, and he's nothing special. But of course the comics are the ultimate script and Alan Moore is something very special. They should leave the Black Freighter out because it will just confuse people and take up valuable budget and screen time. And if they make a kick ass trailer for the film, it will sell it just like the amazing 300 trailer did the same. Just some cool shots of Dr Manhattan on Mars and some other good CGI scenes and the masses will show up. Plus, I think this will have a Sin City type "all star cast" that will put asses in seats. Just please no Jessica Alba as Silk Spectre!

that's cool man all is forgiven, I guess I got a little definsive myself. I really am interested in reading this graphic novel, even if it never does make it to the screen if nthing else just the talk of this movie has got me intrested in reading it

..All I keep hearing.Funny.If it is donr right it will be the final nail in the coffin for comic films.
I for one am over it.After so many false hopes Watchmen on film has become the ex girlfriend on my caller ID..I cant answer,I cant trust you anymore..youl only break my heart again

i think you're right about making a really sweet "money shot"-only trailer to get people pumped. i would go into my local comic shop, and every time, for about a month before 300 came out, there was some skater punk, or football jock or whatever kid in there asking "is 300 a comic book? can i buy 300?" these dicks didn't know what a comic book was, but they were so interested in the movie, these cats were shelling out thirty bucks for the hardcover. although i don't think watchmen will have the same appeal as 300 to the dim-witted late teen crowd, it still wouldn't hurt to get them in the seats. but then again, i don't want to be at opening night of watchmen listening to said dim-wits complaining about the movie's length or being confused. so hopefully snyder sticks to his guns, and doesn't budge for a second on anything. don't dumb this shit down, mr. snyder. anyway, i think my point has been lost somewhere in this rambling... oh well. i'm sure it was important and smart.

I like the idea of tom cruise as ozymandias, butler as the comedian and the names for rorscharch are interesting. After years of waiting, things are happening pretty fast. I hope this time it actually consummates.

I can't find them on the site. I love Watchmen, and I really hope this turns out well. Snyder seems to know what he's doing, and although I wasn't really a fan of 300, I'll admit that it was well made and executed, I'm just not big on epic wars.

that's my favorite scene too. actually, it's right after that when the therapist can no longer sleep soundly after seeing the world from rorshach's perspective. probably the single most disturbing comic i've ever read (that or the diner issue of sandman)

I havent read the graphic novel either so i too will be getting a copy as soon as I can. and I really liked the way 300 was shot so if thats any indication of the directors capabilities id trust any script in his hands. regardless of if i know the source material or not.

Butler will be Ozymandias. He's not going to play the Comedian after signing for Plissken. And the Manhattan dialogue doesn't work for him. When Snyder talks about "correct A-list", he's referring to the Batman Begins/Spider-Man approach -actors first, stars second. What's being forgotten is that Snyder's getting traction off of Cruise's name, but that guy looks at every project in town and passes on about 99%. So it's not like he was "this close" to coming on board. The rating, the length and the approach will have WB keeping the budget in check. And the Freighter will be animation which is why he says running time with or without. You can't prep to shoot live-action with a few dozen pages you may or may not include. With animation though, it's not a problem. Besides, it needs to contrast the Watchmen's real-world. A live-action Freighter, even some kind of 300esque variation, would be confusing as shit to the general population.

My guess is that Butler is going to be the Comedian as well. If so, they'll no doubt have to age him. If he's not the Comedian, I think it'd be interesting to see Rutger Hauer try on the role.
Doctor Manhattan-Billy Zane: He just looks like the Doctor to me, and I think he's a decent enough actor to pull it off
Rorschach-Endless possibilities for this one...William H. Macy would probably be at the top of my list, but I think (And I really hate to say this) he might be just a little too old for the part. Beyond that aspect, I believe that he would be perfect for the role, not to mention that it would a great opportunity for him to play someone who's not immediately likable (Exception being Finnestre from Thank You For Smoking). I know several people have mentioned Jude Law as Ozymandias, but I personally think that if they uglied him up a bit, he could have great potential as Rorschach. According to Wiki, he's expressed interest in the role, and while that may not be the most reliable source, it still made me think about him as R...Anyone agree?
Nite Owl- This one's easy for me...John Cusack, hands down. He might have to be aged slightly, if at all, but I can't imagine anyone else in the role.
Ozymandias-Already mentioned Law earlier, and I'll just say I could see him doing this one as well. Besides Rorschach, this might be one of the most difficult roles to cast...Nite Owl and Comedian are fantastic characters, but I think that there are a reasonable number of actors who are quite capable of making them memorable on film. O and R, however, not only need actors who can properly convey the depth of the characters, but also work as foils. Think about it, O is the graceful, beautiful, articulate and worldly crimefighter representing the left side of the spectrum, as well as the moral ambiguity attached to a world becoming increasing gray, whereas R is this ugly, brutal vigilante who is barely capable of cohorent speech (despite his obvious intelligence) and lives of sugar cubes and cold beans, representing the right side, as well as the black and white world of absolutism. These actors have to be able to pull that relationship off.
Silk Spectre I-Sigourney Weaver. I don't really feel the need to explain this, she just looks like her
Silk Spectre II-I'll pass on this one, because I've never liked the character. I'll acknowledge her importance as the Doc's human anchor, but I just can't bring myself to care enough about the character to make a decision on who portrays her.
Nite Owl I-Clint Eastwood. Well, I can dream...seriously though, I actually like the idea of Timothy Dalton in this role. It seems right to me

But i'd like to see that dude that was in Saving Private Ryan as Rorschach. Ribisi, or something. A great actor and he would be perfect for the role. Perfect. Michael Keaton as Night Owl! And whoever suggested Brad Pitt as Ozymandias is a genius. And on a totally different note, i'd love to see a Judge Dredd trilogy with Clint Eastwood as Judge Dredd!!! His wrinkly, grumpy face is perfect, and we all know he can still kick ass! Do it now, before it's too late, Clint!!! Or maybe Hugo Weawing as Judge Dredd, and Clint as Judge Death? Hollywood, are you listening?!!!

glad I'm not the only one that hasn't read Watchman, but yeah, ASAP I'm getting a copy of this. I really do trust Synder, not sure why, he has only shown a visual panache. His char. work as someone mentioned above hasn't been great...hasn't been horriable, but hasn't been GREAT, but I really like what he's done. He does seem to be a fan not only of comics but of this comic book...

Who sees John C McGinley as Rorshach. He'd have to pull back on his verbosity somewhat (which is a script thing anyway), but he can do the physicality of the role, and he's got a dark edge that someone like Macy just doesn't have.

...should all be in their mid forties, with laurie in her late thirties. doctor manhattan can probably be cast a little younger too, since he doesn't really age, but all these 20-something names being tossed out just won't work. i do love the idea of brad pitt as veidt though. having a big recognizable star in that role would really floor the audience at the end of the movie.

I personally like Guy Pearce for Rorshach. He has the age, the look, and the build of the character. He's got a bit of a dark edge as well as shown in COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO and a little in THE PROPOSITION. Some of the names being thrown around are a bit young for the cast. You should be thinking less Gosling age and more Kurt Russell and Mel Gibson age. Think young actors from the late 80s, not now. Whoever mentioned Sean Penn for Rorshach I would actually rather see Penn play Nite Owl.

I've long been concerned about translating Watchmen into a movie, but I'm starting to get my hopes up. I just bought the Absolute edition a few weeks ago and I've rediscovered how great a series this was back in the day, and I've liked everything I've heard thus far from Snyder. I really dig the idea I've heard that they're going to have a LOTR-esque prologue to bring viewers up to speed on the universe. That should help take care of the "What the hell's going on" factor that could so easily doom a movie version. But please, PLEASE Mr. Snyder, don't fuck this up.

Ribisi is a good actor, even right for the role, but he's. too. damn. young. C'mon, Hugo Weaving would be a terrific Rorschach! Not because he was V. Or Agent Smith. Because if you've ever seen 'The interview', or 'Little Fish', you'd know the guy can act like a motherfucker. Plus, he's weird looking and can handle physical roles well. Add Brad Pitt to my list for Ozy. Still think Fiennes would be great, though. Cusack SHOULD NOT be Dan. His acting range is piss-poor, and he's not bookish enough. Philip Seymour Hoffman would be better... somebody a bit soft, somebody kinda non-threatening and lovable. Campbell Scott is a little chiseled, but he can convincingly play a repressed nerd. So can Tim Robbins. Hell, what about Greg Kinnear? Or Steve Carell, for that matter? Oh shit.... STEVE CARELL FOR NITE OWL! He can do serious acting, tell me that wouldn't be great!

Who was Tom Cruise supposed to be playing? In the interview, Zack seemed to say that they were discussing one character in particular.<br><br>
Also, is that the most lifeless interviewer you've ever seen? He was like a sack of potatoes -- might as well have been the 'ghost voice' asking questions from off camera.

5'7" psycho who wore lifts and got his jollies acting tough and intimidating people? That's Cruise. Plus, he'd see the role as a chance to "stretch" himself as an actor: "No one will see my face... what a worthy challenge for a master thespian such as myself!" Unfortunately, the signals he received from his tinfoil hat told him that the Dolemite remake was a much better use of his talents.

So far from teh interview I think he's got the right focus for Watchmen. I like Brad Pitt as Ozy... and Keanu for Dr. Manhattan? Could work, but he doesn't have the look... but oh well that's what make up is for... and you've already seen his ass in Matrix Reloaded so walking around painted blue in teh nude shouldn't be too much, but then again it's probably a good diea to keep some underwear on him... or will the hardcore fans bitch about that too? Flames on Rorschach!

was the cinematic equivalent of having a frying pan hit over your head for 2 hours whilst the most wooden actor in the world sits next to you and screams in your ear. If I see a worse performance this year than that of Lena Headey i'll eat my hat. And David Wenham has the most irritating voice in the world. Apart from Chris Fucker obviously.

You know it makes sense. He's able to do bug-eyed lunacy, he looks right for the part, his face isn't *that* familiar to mainstream audiences (so it won't spoil the surprise when he appears as a background character before being unmasked), and he's used to working under a mask. What's not to like?

The Comedian - Jeff Goldblum, Rorschach - Paddy Considine (pretty much unknown in US except for those with taste who saw Dead Man's Shoes) or Andy Serkis, Nite-Owl - Tim Robbins or John Cusack,Holis Mason - Clint Eastwood or Paul Newman, Ozy - George Clooney or Jude Law......Xiphos - Simon Pegg was in Band Of Brother i believe although i havent watched it in ages so cant remember his role particularly well....

it's great to finally hear someone NOT talk about putting 9/11 into the movie, and this is the first time i've heard anything about the Black Freighter staying in the picture.
but whatever, watching SIN CITY was like watching everything I love get repeatedly fucked in the ass by a big, grinning computer. so my heart's staying out of this one.

now, i saw 300...and, yes i was visually pleased. and did i feel something for the characters? RARELY...i think once i had an emotion other than "kick ass!"
but 300 was indeed kick ass
watchmen is more than kick ass, it's SMART, DETAILED, LAYERED and HIGH ART. i just would rather have a movie that's not so amazingly stylized if it meant having a movie with more substance.
i just hope it turns out well, i still have my fears he'll turn it into a "KICK ASS" movie instead of an "AMAZING FILM"

...and I think that Everett Robert should NOT read the source material before seeing this film.<p>My reasons?<p>Cusack would be perfect for Dan and he and McGinley are relatively tight, so I think they could work a certain uneasy chemistry.<p>And I'm just really curious to see how someone not as in love with the source material as I am will react to the film, so if Everett can go without reading it and come back for a discussion after opening day, then BAM! Instant control group.<p>Come on, Everett! Do (not) it for science!

you guys are throwing at people close to 50. He's much younger than the rest of the group. Only Comedian and Nite Owl have to be 40+. Manhattan and Ozy do not age, and Spectre will be a 20ish Biel-type "actress".

I am surprised no one has thought of that, he has the hieght, the rage, and most importantly he can act. Val kilmer as OZYMANDIAS, has the look and the ego...and I really hope Ron Perlman plays The Comdeian.

Ron Pearlmean as the comedian? Bruce Willis? Have you even read the comic, because if you have you would see why these are terrible choices. And I like both those guys as actors. But no...just no. When I read the article my first thought was The Comedian would be perfect. He's the rough, militant, poltically-incorrect, disillusioned soldier. That I can see. Ron Pearlman though? Please. The Owl is a nerd and a middle aged pudgy guy. I could maybe see Nick Cage as the guy...maybe, but only because I loved Adaptation.
But the fact is that if The Watchmen is to be as good as we all want it to be, it needs to be lond and it needs the budget spent on the movie itself and not celebrities. Celebrities as the roles will only take away from the movie. Maybe go with one celebrity for Ozymandius. I even thought Brad Pitt would be a decent choice as an ironic bit of casting. Ozymandius is the pretty-boy, no real-talent, sell-out celebrity of the group.

Zack Snyder just isn't smart enough to adapt Watchmen. 300 isn't a terribly smart movie and he didn't understand the few complexities of that comic, so there's no way he's going to understand Watchmen.

Of all the choices I have seen I liked Steve Busecimi, Alec Baldwin,Kurt Russell,Brad Pitt,Charisma Carpenter and Nic Cage.One question though,since the comic was mostly....well how do I put this? Non Ethnic,what will the fanboy nation do when they change Nite Owl or even Ozymandis to an African American man which would make Denzel Washington awesome for the role (Ozymandis) or even a Latino actor. I know Alan Moore would be upset but I think it would work,even add a new dimension to the flick.

Bradd Pitt would be terrible as Ozy. Pitt talks with a marble mouth. He couldn't sell himself as a genius. Cruise would be good. Kilmer has gotten fat. He would have to get into shape. We have to remember that all of these heroes are bad-asses. Whoever plays Rorshac would have to be intimidating. Jeff Goldblum is too old and weird to play Night Owl. Rutger Hauer is way too fat and old to play The Comedian. I DON'T WANT TO SEE ANYONE WEARING RUBBER MUSCLES!!

Although I made a vow to not defend my "ultimate cast," I will do so on a limited basis. First of all, the reason the list isn't "set" is that in most roles I have have alaternate actors. Second, I don't know any golden rule that says a particular character HAS to be an unknown (a la Rorshach); in my pion, the actor has to be able to play all the facets and not just his badass batshit rage but (if included in a script, as Snyder has indicated) everything stemming from his profound "mother issues" (remember, his mother's "promiscuity" and how men treated her served the framework for his morality while finding the dogs eating the girl's bones snapped his psyche). A great actor -- known or unkown -- has to pull that off, not simply one not known to the masses. Third, as far as individual choices, again I went for an actor and not simply a "look". TO answer your question, not only have I seen Captain Metropolis, I actually read the original twelve issues of Watchmen as they were released and still have them in cherished mint condition. So, yes, William H Macy for Captain Metropolis because while Cap Metro physically looks intimidating he is also ineffectual and Macy can pull that off with ease; the only other actor that comes to mind for both the physical/innefectual combo is Brendan Fraser. But I still like Macy for Cap Metro. As for Helen Mirren for Sally Jupiter, the actress herself is a very handsome woman (sexy even), but she can play a wide range of roles and has done..let's say not pretty....in a little movie for which she recently picked up an Oscar; but my pick was Meryl Streep. Believe it or not, Paul Newman was on my list for Hollis Mason and I think he would be a fantastic choice, yet as you feel a known actor would overshadow Rorshach I also believe the legend of Newman would overshadow Mason. An Newman already played a "Hollis Mason"-type...in voiceover for Cars. But I also think John Mahoney can convey every single quality that Hollis requires and is a fine, fine actor. And, finally, the ONLY casting choice I think is absolutely horrible is Bruce Campbell as The Comedian; this favorite seems to fulfill some fanboy masturbation fantasies but I just don't buy it. I love me some Campbell, but not for The Comedian. Seriously, can you HONESTLY see Bruce Campbell raping anyone without it coming across as slightly snicker-worthy? The person that perfectly fits The Comedian in all his fucked-upity is none other than Ray Liotta. Slap a moustache on that puppy.

The only thing that I hate right now about Reelz is the lack of content, but it is a new channel so I can forgive them for right now.
I am sure Zach will do good by the Watchmen. I can't wait to see what it will look like.
Harry what kind of show are you doing for Reelz? Is it a review show or a behind the scenes? Or something else? WE WANNA KNOW!

He knocks on wood. He's got some badass tats. He's buff. And he disses Ghost Rider and X-Men 3 for wimping out on their PG13 ratings. And he knocks on wood. That's not a metaphor. He actually did it in the interview.

In fact, the only way this adaptation will work is if Snyder is going to stay extremely close to the original comic. I don't trust Snyder's understanding of the comic enough that I think he would be able to make significant changes and keep Alan Moore's complexities.

and her daughter Ava Amurri play the same character in flashbacks. I wish they could clone William Smith and have him play The Comedian at about the age he was in "Any Which Way but Loose".
And take a look at Harry Connick JR. in CopyCat. That's what I picture Rorschach looking like.
Maybe one of the Jennifer's (Aniston or Garner) for the new Silk Spectre. How about reteaming Brad Pitt and Ed Norton as Ozymandius and Rorschach? As far as Night Owl, I guess Cusack is as good a choice as I've heard. Although he'd probably want Jeremy Piven to join him as rorschach.

I absolutely understand why you and others (including many directors and writers who have tackled this project in the past) want Rorshach to be an unknown. I happen to not agree with that specific sentiment, as I elaborated. Take, for example, Simon Pegg as Rorshach. Fanboys, genre lovers and those who have seen some of his films may be familiar with him, but to the broad moviegoing audience he's still pretty much an "unknown." Or take another route: no matter who is pegged to play Rorshach, the news is going to be announced and discussed endlessly and many interested parties are going to go to the source material...or read a spoilerish Entertainment Weekly article...or Google the hell out of the graphic novel/characters what have you. At what point or good will it have been to have an "unknown" in the role if Ken Tucker has already blabbed it to the universe? So while having an "unknown" in the role is not a bad idea, it's not that necessary in this age of spoilers and web scrutiny. FInally, no, I did not read YOUR cast list before compiling my own, but I trust as I assume you do that no matter who we come up with for this dream cast, someone somewhere has mentioned at least one of the names on them. As it stands, I love the idea of Paul Newman as Hollis Mason, but I like Mahoney better. And, for the record, I have always detested the idea of Bruce Campbell as The Comedian, who you describe as a "grade b nasty character" but who I always thought of as a symbol of inverted and twisted American values. It is not a character by which to "cheer" in fanboy glee that "Bubba Hotep is the Comedian! Fuckin A!" The Comedian always had more depth than you give him credit, and I can't see Bruce Campbell's Comedian viciously raping Sally Jupiter and still somewhat caring for her. I can't visualize Bruce Campbell's Comedian's shock and reget over discovering that Laurie is his daughter. I can't see Campbell's Comedian coming apart at the seams in a devastating way after discovering what's happening on the island and it not comign across as hokey. And it's not for a lack of imagination on my part: as I said, I think Campbell is a a marvelous actor. But not for the Comedian. At this stage of the casting game, I would love to see Liotta in the role. Even Butler would be good, I think. Like I said, this ain't a flame war, just a difference of opinion.

I too considered Steve Carell as Nite-Owl. I was also thinking William Fichtner has to have some role in this. He's just too great a character-actor. I considered Tim Robbins as Nite-Owl as well, but combined with my suggestion of Sarandon, I thought it would be way too much the "Robbins/Sarandon:Hear us roar show". Someone mentioned Jason Isaacs for another role, but how about for The Comedian? He can play mean enough to rape someone. And I bet few enough people would recognize Jackie Earle Haley (despite his Oscar nom) to ruin the surprise. Just run the credits at the end.

What the hell?! Is HEROES ripping off WATCHMEN...literally? Okay, for fans of HEROES this will involve some SPOILERS, but I was just checking my email and in it I discovered yesterday's SciFi Weekly Newsletter (from SciFi Channel). And it says (quote):<p>Tim Kring, the creator of NBC's hit SF series Heroes, told fans that the show will eventually bring all of the main hero characters together before the season is out and offered a preview of the April 23 episode, in which many secrets are revealed about Mr. Linderman (Malcolm McDowell). At a panel for the Museum of Television and Radio's William S. Paley Festival in Hollywood on March 10, Kring unveiled a long scene from the next new episode, ".07," featuring McDowell's Linderman speaking with Adrian Pasdar's Nathan Petrelli (spoilers ahead!).<p>Among other things, viewers learn that Linderman has superpowers of his own, that he was once a member of a group of heroes, that the members of the group eventually used their powers for personal gain, and that he is behind the plot to blow up New York as a way to engender widespread fear, which he believes will bring the nation together in hope. Linderman also reveals a prophecy that Nathan will eventually wind up in the White House.<p>As for the season finale, Kring told fans that he was "still putting the final script together" but has it all mapped out. "I know everyone's fate," he said cryptically.<p>Greg Grunberg, who plays psychic cop Matt Parkman, said that he had already read the script for the 22nd of 23 episodes and that it "just blew me away." Who lives and who dies? "It's the nature of the show to know that we're all vulnerable," Grunberg added.<p>Hmm...he has powers TOO, was PART of a superhero team in the past, and is now going to blow up NYC in a covert way to bring people together. SOUND FAMILIAR?

Would make an great 3-5 minute intro to the Watchman movie. It is, after all, the overall watchmen theme distilled into one little fucked-up story. Would be the perfect opening and sign of things to come. Then a pullback to reveal the little kid reading the comic, then pull back further to see the comedian's blood, then further for "Hmm. That's quite a drop". Rorshach's awesome diary entry can appear later in the film maybe?

" a frying pan hit over your head for 2 hours whilst the most wooden actor in the world sits next to you and screams in your ear"
I liked the movie, but that comment gave me a mental image of William Shatner doing exactly that to unsuspecting movie patrons, and that's funny as hell.
""AAAHHH!!"<br>
::wham whamwahm::<br>
"AAAHHH!!KHAAAN!"<br>
Now, time to paint a big target on my chest:
James Marsters as Rorschach.<br>
Seriously, he could be all dead eyed psycho with the deep scary voice. And he is relatively short.
He looks the part and can play that particular character perfectly.<br>
He could do it, damn it.
::ducks flying rocks and bricks::

I have been pretty vocal about saying Zack is not the right choice to direct WATCHMEN. But he did something incredible that will give this movie a LOT of what it needs. He turned a bloody graphic novel into a hard-R blockbuster. Will WATCHMEN be rated R because of that? Yes. Will Zack have the creative freedom he needs to set it in 1985, make it true to the comic, have it be 3 hours if need be, and attract some seriously talented people to the project? The answer is yes. I only hope that he can take his directing to the next level to do WATCHMEN justice. It really is a brilliant, brilliant piece of work. <p> Two of my casting choices: Rorschach: Tim Roth (although I read the suggestion of Michael Keaton on another board, and I thought that was pretty inspired). Ozymandius: Val Kilmer. The guy can flat out create a brilliant character, and he has the look and the talent to make Adrian very memorable. People came out of TOMBSTONE talking about Doc Holliday. I would like to see the same kind of buzz for Ozymandius when people are leaving the theater.

Watchmen was made for the graphic novel medium, and it is the Citizen Kane of comic books. This will perhaps be the most difficult film to make and will probably be the most difficult to satisfy the fanbase of the source material. I can't think of any other movie quite like it. (cept maybe V for Vendetta, or any other Moore novel)

than he is with characters or his source materials philosophy. I think the guy needs to get out of the studio and sit back to read an actual book now and then. Unless he pulls a Robert Rodriguez and makes this an exact adaptation I see a train wreck coming. I think someone else mentioned that this guy's not exactly Kubrick. Well, Alan Moore is the Kubrick of comics and he deserves someone on his level tackling his work.

I hadn't thought of it, but it's dead on perfect and the guy is and has always been a superb actor (Kelly Leak was my hero)! I think Butler is too young for the Comedian. He'd work best as Dr. Manhattan.

<p>The smaller bits are going to be used to established character and not something deeper to delve into. Take the Rorshcach stuff; is Snyder really going to be able to get into the psychiatrist, or will he just be able to use beats of it?</p><p>I think what Mori said about 300 should be remembered, that it was a series of money shots. To condense twelve issues into three hours should have a similar effect.</p>

To be honest, when reading the book I always pictured Matthew Modine as the Nite-Owl, Brad Pitt (in Meet Joe Black "Am I Acting Yet or Just Staring?" mode), and, believe it or not, Clint Howard as Rorshach once he was demasked...I always felt that taking off his mask somehow demasculated him and he should be as pathetic and repulsive as possible...

Off the subject but i sent this to Harry and he didn't put it up. Shia LaBeouf said in an interview with UK mag Total Film that they have actually built a mobile phone that can change into a robot for Transformers and that it is called Sound Wave. It's on pg53, check it out. A lot of you will probably complain that his is too hip or contempary or something but i'm sure a cassette recorder was just as 'hip' in the 80's. This seems like a logical disguise for a spy robot and i personally can't wait to see an actual mobile transform, no cgi or nothing.

David Wenham would make an awesome Rorschach - he's got great range as an actor, he isn't afraid to play 'ugly' parts, he's a red head, probably about the right age for Rorschach, and he just worked with Snyder on 300.

Also, Wenham's not well known in the US, as far as I know.
On another topic, I would love to see the intro to the film as a close-up of the comedian's face that appears as if he's maybe smiling or excited, and then as the credits roll over it, zoom out gradually until it becomes apparent that he's actually shitscared and plunging to his death. Then, *SMACK*, roll movie. Or then again, maybe not.

First, I've been saying Jackie Earle Haley as Rorshach for awhile, although that late mention of David Wenham has me thinking... hmmm... Like both suggestions of Brad Pitt or Jude Law for Ozy; Law's arguably a better actor, but Pitt will put butts in the seats. Second, if you haven't read it yet, it costs more, but the Absolute Edition of Watchmen is the way to go; beautiful book, tons of extras. (Think of it as an investment for the future; I've read Watchmen at least 20 times and I always find something new in it every single time. The book is holographic; you get out of it what you put into it, and it changes as you change. Shoulda won the Pulitzer.) Finally, after "Dawn" and "300", I totally trust Snyder to pull this off; I just hope he keeps the big reveal at the end. My favorite scene in the book is the whole shocker of "Do? I already did it thirty-five minutes ago." Completely floored me the first time I read it.

Keaton as Rorshach? Kilmer as Ozy?
What next...let Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher (sp?) produce???
Gods. Legacy of the Bat, indeed.
That said...Clooney COULD pull off Ozy (hair and body tweaks notwithstanding). He has the gravity, voice, charm, intensity, diction, and political 'weight'. Pitt IS too marble-mouthed. Kilmer IS to 'distant and pretty'. Ozy needs LAYERS, people!!!
Comedian's easy casting, as is Manhattan. Rorshach, Nite-Owl, and Viedt are the money characters. And only ONE should be super-AAA-list.
BTW...sudden brainfart. Anyone seen Kyle Maclachlan lately? A little puffy faced...a little worn down by life...a little whitebread and, dare I say it, 'impotent'. Smell what I'm cooking?

I'm glad if 300 can help to have more R-rated films ore more adult films with bigger budgets but I still think that you are not able to adapt Watchmen just because you have directed 300... The 2 original books are too opposed aesthetically, morally, politically and in the way the story is told...

...Howard Hawks directed RED RIVER, HIS GIRL FRIDAY and probably did most of the directing on THE THING (although he's listed as producer). John Houston did THE TREASURE OF SIERRA MADRE and ANNIE. Victor Fleming did THE WIZARD OF OZ and GONE WITH THE WIND. Okay, Snyder isn't any of these guys but he can get the job done. Fans need to get over the idea of a panel by panel recreation of WATCHMEN. We have the comic for that. SIN CITY was fine but ultimately an experiment in kissing Frank Miller's ass. I bought WATCHMEN in individual issues as it was first published, but if you can remove yourself from the Fanboy Party Line or Fanboy PC or whatever...it's a little dated. Still a great work, so put away your photon torpedos, but great as it is, it's a little over rated because we fanboys either over rate or under rate everything. It can be a good, interesting and overall faithful film but if you want panel by panel you've got all those versions of the graphic novel you shell out all your money for. They're right there on the shelf. Frankly, although I enjoyed SIN CITY and (sorta) 300, I am not going to go see another movie that recreate comic book panels. I got the gimmick. Like all gimmicks, it was fun but limiting...Love to see Jackie Earle Haley as Rorshach, Butler as Dr. Manhattan, Peter Fonda as the Comedian, Ralph Fiennes as Ozymandius, Tim Robbins as the Nite Owl and Bridget Fonda as the Silk Spectre. No Minute Men and no pirate comic.